Tater Tot Casserole, also known as Tater Tot Hotdish, is a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for a family dinner. This easy-to-make casserole combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy tater tots, and melted Cheddar cheese into a delicious dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Soup
Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the cooked ground beef until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef and soup mixture in the baking dish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to customize the casserole to your liking. You can add vegetables like corn or green beans to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you're not a fan of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the Tater Tot Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With its combination of savory ground beef, creamy soup, crispy potatoes, and gooey cheese, it's a meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share, this casserole won't disappoint.
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